Campus mall looted amid protests at Lovely Professional University; valuables taken away

CHANDIGARH: A mall inside Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Punjab's Jalandhar was allegedly looted amid ongoing student protests on the campus. Videos showing people entering the mall and taking away items from shops have surfaced on social media. The incident took place at shops in the university's Uni Mall. Videos show people carrying away food items, gadgets and other valuables. There are allegations that students were behind the incident, but this has not been confirmed.

In one video, a person is heard saying that the free shopping was over. In another, a person is seen pointing to items inside the mall and saying that whatever people wanted would be provided to them for free. Other videos circulating on social media show students eating inside the mall and later damaging shops and ATM counters.

Meanwhile, a video released by the university registrar to explain the allegations of sexual assault has also triggered controversy. The video featured female students staying at the hostel where the alleged incident was said to have taken place. The students said in the video that no such incident had occurred at the hostel. However, they later alleged that they had been forced to record the video. This led to widespread criticism of the registrar.

The protests against the university began four days ago following allegations that a woman student was sexually assaulted by a person who had come to the university hostel for plumbing work. Tensions have since escalated on the campus and the nearby national highway. Police and students clashed on the Bhogpur-Jalandhar National Highway on Sunday night. Police vehicles were set on fire and several people were injured. Police subsequently took several students into custody. Tension continues to prevail in the area.

Several buildings and vehicles on the campus were also set on fire. In another incident, a student climbed onto a model of a MiG-23 fighter aircraft displayed on the campus as part of a protest. Police investigating the allegations have said they suspect that the claim of sexual assault may be a rumour. Police have also said they will investigate allegations that another student died by suicide around 15 days ago. A large police contingent has been deployed on the campus. The university is owned by Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal, who switched from the Aam Aadmi Party to the BJP.

A Special Investigation Team has been formed to investigate the incident. Police are examining CCTV footage from the campus as well as phone records of the alleged accused, the complainant and other teachers. Amid the escalating situation, the university authorities have announced that classes at Lovely Professional University will remain suspended for 10 days from Monday. Mid-term examinations have also been postponed.